Olive Cooke & Henry Tervenski

Clashing souls, drunk in love and drowning out the world. Sun-kissed skin and salty hair become fading silhouettes as day falls into night and the moonlight kisses the horizon. Here, lost on a secluded beach in Byron Bay, we captured young lovers Olive Cooke & Henry Tervenski in their natural element… sharing an intoxicating romance and burning passion that can be felt between every breath, every heartbeat, every movement.

How did you meet?

We met through a girlfriend, who to this day is so proud of the introduction. We drank about 15 Margaritas each and laughed the entire night.

What was your first date?

I don’t think we actually had a first date, we were friends for a while before we realised it was more. I went back to West Australia for Christmas from Byron Bay and missed Henry so much while I was away. He picked me up from the airport when I got back and the rest is history.

Tell us about your love story since… 

From day one our love story has been filled with so much passion and laughter, all we want is pure happiness with the people we love. Henry and I have been through a lot together. Our last few years have seen some of the hardest, but also most incredible moments. I had an Ectopic pregnancy a few years ago and I nearly didn’t make it through, but it taught us a lot and made us aware of just how special this life is together. 

What does love mean to you?

Olive / Everything! I absolutely love love, I could not imagine a life without it.

Henry / How good is it doing the things you love with the person you love!

What is your secret to a successful relationship?

Olive / Acceptance and staying true to you. I think letting each other be who you truly are and respecting, loving every difference in the two of you makes for a successful relationship. 

Henry / Patience is key haha. 

What makes the two of you a good match?

Olive / I think opposites attract, Henry is such a calming stable element in my life, he keeps my feet on the ground while still enjoying every moment of travel and exploration. Also, Henry doesn’t react when I go from 0 to 100 in 2.5 seconds.

Henry / We are the complete opposite, I am super cruisy and Olive is like a little fire cracker!

What do you love about each other the most?

Olive / Henry is the funniest person I know. He makes light of every situation yet still feels so much, he is so caring and supportive of all those around him. Henry also works really hard and has great eyelashes!

Henry / Olive is such a fun, amazing, caring woman; always looking out for everyone. She’s the best.

What is a poem, a moment or a song that holds a special memory for you and your love story?

Olive / Mayer Hawthorne’s song ‘Henny & Gingerale’ makes us so happy, it reminds me of Henry.

Henry / I was going to say the same!

Tell us about your engagement…

Henry proposed in Hawaii on the north shore, surrounded by some of our closest friends. It was a complete surprise and beyond perfect.

Tell us about your engagement ring…

My ring is a little set from Catbird in New York City, it’s so delicate, I love wearing it every day.

Can you share any details to your wedding plans…

We are not particularly traditional so are currently just planning a huge party for 2020, a day to celebrate love with all your favorite people.

Whats next for the two of you?

We never know what is next, but I’m sure it will be made the most of!! We both love to work hard and enjoy our time together. I am about to launch a new project which I have been working on for quite some time which is super exciting, while Henry will continue building here in Byron Bay. We might also start building our first home in Lennox Head, throw in a few trips and planning a wedding that’s mostly our year ahead!

Photography / Jennifer Stenglein

Creative Direction / Emma Westblade @ The Lane

Talent / Olive Cooke & Henry Tervenski